This is the only space i have, is it going to be enough ?

[Reg]

I have a veg patch 8 x 6 which I intend to build this run on.

The coop will be 6ft x 30"

In the winter i will open a back gate so they can use the green house as well.

I have set my garden up for wild life & have lots of frogs & newts. If i let the hens out in the garden i'm sure they would make a quick meal of them, so they have to stay in their run.

Am i being cruel to keep chickens in such a space ?

How many do you think i could have if any ?

Pleased to hear your thoughts

Reg

 

[ranchhand]

Do you mean the run and coop are 6' long all together or just the coop is 6'?

I think you mean coop and run combined, which will give you about 15 sq. ft. of ground space. That will support 4 hens, unless you have a giant breed. They will be a bit tight in the coop proper, but as long as they get to get out into the run it will be okay. If they are to be confined most of the time I would only put 3 standard size hens in there.

They will destroy the ground vegetation in 1 day, so plan on some veggie treats now and then.

Very attractive pic, look forward to some pics of what you build.

 

[ndemerly]

as long as you don't overcrowd them, and stick somewhat to the so called, 'guideline' - concerning sqf. per chicken

 

[Reg]

Quote:
Run is 8 x 6, coop is above ground as per photo so they can go underneath it.

I was thinking 4.

I was thinking of having 4 different breeds will this course any problems.

Coping the photograph will not be a problem. I work with wood for a living.

Thanks for your thoughts

Reg

 

[pusskatkins]

I think it's a wonderul coop! Yes, your chickens will consume all the creatures and veggies they lay eyes on . Three, maybe four chickens will do fine in that marvelous looking coop. Good luck!

 

[Reg]

Quote:
The run is 6ft high. if I add lots of perches will they use them ?

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
Run is 8 x 6, coop is above ground as per photo so they can go underneath it.

I was thinking 4.

I was thinking of having 4 different breeds will this course any problems.

Coping the photograph will not be a problem. I work with wood for a living.

Thanks for your thoughts

Reg

Hey Reg,

I loved that little coop but I have to be honest because you asking-if your talking 4 Large fowl birds-then no they will not fit. I used it for 4 silkies and it got so dirty fast and they did not have alot of space-If you plan on building that run and having it open at all times with that much space then you might not have an issue. If you planned on locking them up in that little off the ground coop area-way to small:-( That's why I sold mine- looks were very decieving. Good luck but I doubt you'll need it because if you work with wood-you can make some serioussly nice coops with lots of space

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Run is 8 x 6, coop is above ground as per photo so they can go underneath it.

I was thinking 4.

I was thinking of having 4 different breeds will this course any problems.

Coping the photograph will not be a problem. I work with wood for a living.

Thanks for your thoughts

Reg

I have a feeling that what you build will be much prettier!

ETA, 4 different breeds is not an issue, but it's much easier if you raise the 4 as chicks, together.

 

[NottinghamChicks]

Hi Reg and welcome! I assume that you will be building a larger replica of the picture shown, correct? It wil be a total of 30ft long x 6ft deep? How large is the coop portion going to be? The guideline for space is 3 or 4 sq ft per bird in the coop. This is because in inclement weather if they need to be locked up for a day or two they have ample space to not be stressed. Just like people need their space so do chickens.The run portion is a bonus (however they say 10sq ft per bird for that area) and it is not cruel to have them confined to the coop and run but be sure to research ventillation when building.You probably will not lose any to predators that way and your newts will stay safe too!

Good luck and post pics of your finished coop with the girls

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They like perches- and also would appreciate a windbreak- maybe a piece of plywood or plastic around the two or three windy sides during the winter. They can withstand the cold better with no wind stealing their warmth.

What I have discovered is that they will do just about anything to avoid going back into the coop during the day except to lay- they'd rather get rained on and be cold, etc.

That is, unless you have the food and water inside the coop. I keep mine in the run and remove the food at night.

Also, be sure to place the inside the coop roosts higher than the nest box, or they will sleep inside the nest boxes (poo will collect there).

You might want to wire it for electric, if you are planning on giving them a light bulb during winter. (Be sure to secure it two ways other than clamping it to prevent fires).